What Does It Mean When You Dream About Someone? 14 Common Dream Meanings

14 Common Dreams We Have About People

Here are fourteen common dreams about people, do any of these resonate with you?

1. Dreaming About the Death of Someone Who Is Still Alive

There are several reasons you may dream about death and dying. Dreaming about the death of someone still alive might mean the person is close to dying or you worry about their impending death. For example, if you have a friend or relative who is ill or close to dying, or if someone close to you recently died, you might be more inclined to think about the death of someone still alive. This type of dream can also serve to bring you comfort.

2. Dreaming About Killing Someone

Aggressive actions are very common in dreams and there can be many reasons why a person dreams of killing someone. The actual act of killing someone in your dream shouldn’t be taken literally, as it’s doubtful that you will go out and kill someone. It’s more likely that your negative thoughts towards this person make you feel you could ‘kill’ them. You might have resentment towards someone that you are unable to let go of, making you feel trapped and unable to function healthily.

3. Dreaming About Someone Who Is Already Dead

Dreaming about someone already dead often means you are still processing the pain and possible traumatic grief around their death. Maybe you were close to this person, and you are still saddened by their death and find it hard to move on. Or there are loose ends and things that you wish you had said or done while they were alive.

4. Dreaming About Dead Relatives

Sometimes we dream about dead relatives because we miss them. For example, someone who lost someone but didn’t get to say goodbye might dream about them and say goodbye to them in the dream, and that makes them feel better and provides closure. Many people have visitation dreams about dead relatives if there were unresolved issues or if they knew someone who recently lost a relative, which makes them think about their relatives.

5. Dreaming About Dead Bodies

There are several reasons why we dream about dead bodies. Dreaming about dead bodies could mean the end of something in your life and a new transition or a new chapter. Having this type of dream could mean that you are embarking on a transformation in your life and getting ‘rid’ of the ‘dead’ parts of your life. It could be a minor or a significant change, but death represents something new and the death of something old.

6. Dreaming About Someone Sexually

Dreaming about someone sexually is normal. We are visual people, and when we see someone who lights up that part of our brain, we tend to think about that person. Maybe we liked how they looked, or they reminded us of someone we know or even our partner. It’s important to think about this type of dream to focus on symbolic representation. Focus your feelings on the dream and wonder where your energy leads you.

7. Dreaming About Someone Famous

Dreaming about someone famous could mean that you identify with them in some way that makes you feel connected to them. For example, if you read a story about a famous person who has gone through similar struggles, you may feel less alone and more empowered. Or if this person lives their life like you or is doing something in their life that you want to do, you might dream about them.

8. Dreaming About An Ex

There are many common reasons people dream about their exes, and it doesn’t always mean you still have romantic feelings toward them. You may dream about your ex because of unresolved trauma, frustration, jealousy, or because you have happy memories of being together. You could also dream about an ex because you happened to see them recently. Depending on how the relationship ended, the dream can leave you feeling unsettled and bothered or be recognized as common and healthy. Dreaming about your ex could be your way of saying things to them you didn’t get to do when you were together. This might provide closure for you.

9. Dreaming About Fighting Someone

When you dream about fighting someone, it can be seen as a metaphor that you are fighting somewhere in your life to get what you need and want and could demonstrate that you are struggling in some way to express yourself. It could also be related to a past relationship with someone or looking for closure. You are fighting another person to get rid of your aggression or show the person how strong you are and what you can do.

10. Dreaming About Stabbing Someone

Dreaming about stabbing someone often means you are physically taking back control over a past wrong or attempting to eliminate regret and guilt. The actual act of stabbing someone provides you with the power and control you need in your life. For example, if you have been betrayed, you might dream of stabbing this person and walking away, making you feel empowered. You are allowing yourself to get rid of pent-up frustration, agitation, anger, and sometimes rage to move on.

11. Dreaming About Someone You Like

It is not uncommon to dream about someone you like. After all, this person is on your mind. And when we think about someone, our mind might race to the future, what it might look like, wondering if they like you and if they are also thinking about you. You are probably thinking about this person more than you realize you are. For example, if you are dating someone new, you will think of them often, and they will turn up in your dreams.

12. Dreaming About Kissing Someone

If you dream about kissing someone in your dream and it is not your partner, it could mean something about this person intrigues or interests you. Maybe you are attracted to them physically, emotionally, or intellectually. Kissing another person may represent excitement and newness, especially if you feel bored or unfilled in your relationship.

13. Dreaming About Someone You Love

Dreaming of someone you love is often just what it seems – you love this person, and they are on your mind and bring you joy. Your dreams could be about something that happened or will happen. However, you could also dream about them when there is strife or challenges in the relationship, and your dreams are a way to work things out or figure out the challenges that are distressing to you.

14. Dreaming About Someone Pregnant or Having A Baby

Dreaming about someone pregnant or having a baby could mean thinking about something new in your life or going through a life transition. Babies represent a new life, a new transition, and starting over. An opportunity to do something different, possibly something you have been thinking about. Maybe it’s a fresh start, or you want to have your own child.

When Is Dreaming About Someone a Problem?

Sometimes ongoing distress associated with dreaming about someone may indicate an underlying condition, such as anxiety or depression. If dreaming about someone causes daytime distress or interferes with your daily function, you might benefit from therapy.

You can use an online therapist directory to find a therapist that helps you address your specific needs or research the best online therapy options to help you make a better decision. Both of these tools allow you to find a therapist that is a good ‘fit’ for you, can help you improve your life, and reduce the amount of anxiety and depression you experience.

Is It Normal to Talk to a Therapist about Dreams?

It is very common for people to talk to a therapist about dreams, and people seek an explanation, connection, and possibly a deeper meaning. A therapist provides the space for people to talk openly about their dreams and what is going on in their life that may contribute to having a specific type of dream.

In essence, they help people connect the dots and figure out if there is meaning behind their dreams. And by sharing this in a safe place, it helps a person feel ‘normal’ for having these dreams, even if they are not disruptive or disturbing.

Final Thoughts

It’s common to dream about people and situations, whether you’re dreaming about something or someone from work, an event you attended, or about someone you know personally. It’s how the brain processes all the information people are exposed to daily. However, if your dreams cause daytime distress, interfere with your daily function, or disrupt your sleep on a regular basis, you might find therapy helpful.